Editorial: Great schools made job a pleasure

Chronicle reporter Liz Wylie

A CHANGE is as good as a rest they say - though change can come with a twinge of regret.

A switch of news rounds means I will now be reporting arts while Anne-Marie McDonald will be education reporter.

When I came to work at the paper two-and-a-half years ago, the education round seemed a daunting prospect.

With 89 primary, secondary and kura kaupapa schools - as well as tertiary and early childhood providers - it has been difficult to spread the net as wide as I would have liked.

I have been hugely impressed by the dedication of educators in this region and the achievements of students.

When TV3 journalist Duncan Garner condemned Whanganui's empty shops in 2015, his praise of the region's schools flew under the radar.

Having visited many of these schools, I think it a pity Garner's praise did not get more attention. It could have served to bring more families to the region where children could attend our great schools.

Covering the anniversary celebrations of Whanganui Girls' College (125 years), Marton School (150 years), little Ngamatea School (100 years) and seeing Arahunga Special School and Outreach Programme turn 50 has made me happy.

On the other hand, it was difficult to remain detached when covering the closure of Turakina Maori Girls' College in 2016 and Aramoho School last month. They had served their communities for more than a century - it has been hard to see them go.

From what I have seen, education in the region goes well beyond meeting curriculum requirements and it has been a pleasure to report the achievements of individuals and groups excelling in artistic and cultural areas as well as helping in their communities.

There are numerous opportunities for school leavers and adult learners and Whanganui has managed to keep life-long learning alive with our Community Education Service while larger cities have not.